H.—l

4

The following statement shows the disposal of the total funds (including those of the central bodies) as on 31st December, 1920 : —

The next table shows the number of members of friendly societies, the amount of their accumulated capital, and the average capital per member in each of the Australian States and in the Dominion of New Zealand, according to the latest received statistics, arranged in order of membership : —

Sickness. The number of members sick during 1920 was 14,193, equal to 20-54 per 100 members at risk. The sickness experienced during 1920 was 143,937 weeks, equal to 10 weeks 1 day per sick member, and 2 weeks for each member at risk. Mortality. The following statement of average mortality experienced during the years 1916-20 is given herewith, but it takes no account of age incidence : —

Sick and Funeral Funds. The contributions and entrance fees paid to Sick and Funeral Funds in 1920 amounted to £130,265. Divided by the mean number of members the average for 1920 was £1 165., as compared with £1 14s. lOd. in 1919. The interest and rent received by the lodges and central bodies amounted to £102,847 in 1920, equal to £1 Bs. sd. per member, as against £1 7s. 6d. for 1919. The amount of sickness benefit paid was £96,027 in 1920, equal to £6 15s. 4d. per member sick, and £1 6s. 6d. per member, as against £7 6s. 4d. and £1 Bs. lOd. respectively for 1919. Viewing the amount paid in relation to the weeks of sickness, the average benefit per week is found to be 13s. 4d. in 1920, as compared with 13s. Bd. in 1919. The funeral benefit paid amounted to £28,729 in 1920, equal to 7s. lid. per member, as compared with 15s. 3d. for 1919. The total worth of the Sick and Funeral Funds of 732 lodges at the beginning of 1920 was £1,923,347, and at the end of the year £2,036,552. The balance of gain for the year was £113,205, or £1 lis. 3d. per member, in 1920, as compared with £49,837, or 14s. 5d., in 1919. Investment of Funds. The net income from investments credited to the Sick and Funeral Funds for 1920 amounted to £102,847, the average rate being £5 6s. Bd. per cent., as against £5 2s. Bd. in 1919.

Funds. Assets. Sick and Funeral Funds Surplus Appropriation Funds, &c. .. Management Funds, goods, &c. Widow and Orphans' Funds Distress, Benevolent Funds, &c. .. £ .. 2,036,552 113,250 106,196 18,506 46,672 Investments at interest .. Value of land and buildings Cash not bearing interest.. Value of goods Other assets Owing by Management Funds Total £ .. 1,989,311 198,787 84,704 13,328 31,845 3,201 .. £2,321,176 Total .. .*. £2,321,176

State or Dominion. Date of Keturn. Number Number of of Lodges. Members. Amount of Funds. Capital per Member. Jew South Wales .. /ictoria Jew Zealand South Australia Jjueeusland Tasmania Western Australia .. .. 3: 31st December, 1919 1919 1919 1918 1919 1919 1919 ilst December, 1! 1! V 1! 1! V. 1! 1,925 1,489 735 599 476 182 249 184,174 144,280 70,598 67,047 54,615 22,257 17,270 £ 2,217,796 3,056,666 2,184,653 1,377,149 980,780 270,777 278,653 £ s. d. 12 0 10 21 3 9 30 18 11 20 10 10 17 19 2 12 3 4 16 2 8

Moml lera. Wives. Year. Number who died. Number per 1,000 Members at Risk. Number who died. | 232 3-26 260 3-75 457 6-74 282 4-24 285 8-94 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 977 1,287 1,821 762 664 13-08 18-55 26-85 11-45 9-17